Physiological Response to Window Coverings

Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery relaxes and refreshes us, consciously and subconsciously. Therefore, a view of nature should never be completely covered up during the day.

During daylight hours, windows should let in as much light and scenery view as possible, because people who can't see out of their windows during daylight hours get depressed. A view of nature, trees, plants, sky, clouds, and birds diminishes stress, promotes general physical health, and contributes to psychological satisfaction.

Factors such as natural light, fabric color, pattern, and tactile quality will also affect the presence of the room. Fabrics with a soft, tactile quality are good choices for creating a romantic, elegant ambiance, but mini-blinds are hard to clean and look severe. Pleated shades are softer, while shutters have rounded edges, can be repainted to change decor, and will last forever.

Window Coverings as Backgrounds

Window coverings that span a large expanse require the same color considerations as walls, since they become backgrounds for people. Too many patterns on windows will detract from both individuals and furnishings, and small prints in large spaces tend to get lost while adding busyness to a room.

Many windows are really no more than picture frames for views, so it's important that window treatments should complement the view. In general, the better the view, the plainer the window treatments should be. For view windows that don't need coverings for privacy or temperature control, consider lighting the exterior space and leaving the windows uncovered.

Architectural Considerations

Houses with lovely architectural details surrounding the windows need window treatments that don't hide the home's character. For example, magnificently-fluted moldings around windows shouldn't be covered. Use spring tension rods to hang treatments inside the molding instead.

Where windows are perfectly placed throughout a room, accentuate their lines with bold treatments. You can camouflage the size and position of windows that are too small or poorly placed by adjusting the placement of window treatments, such as hanging the coverings higher to visually create taller windows.

Elegant Window Dressings

Window treatments can be plain, functional, or opulent. Formal rooms with exquisite window treatments are fun. Layers of damask, lace, sheers, silks, and overlapping swags can create an aura of richness and refinement. Other elegant details might include scalloped trimmings, fringe, cords, cording, tassels, and rosettes.

On the other hand, if you need to tone down a too-opulent scheme, use a rough-textured trim, because lush and lustrous fabrics can be overwhelming without an element of roughness as a balancing factor.

Puddled window drapes, typical of the Victorian period, can add fullness and warmth to cold rooms. Draperies that are allowed to "pool" or "puddle" on the floor add elegance and rich feelings to a room. The drawback is that too much pooling on the floor will cause the bottoms of puddle draperies to get sucked into vacuum cleaners.

Each house is different, of course, but no matter what your home's style or composition, you'll want to give careful consideration to your choice of window fashions if you're going to create a warm and happy feeling for yourself, your family, and your guests.

(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm

---

How to Get the Most Out of Your Home Theater ? Without Spending a Fortune

So you've scraped and saved, now you've finally gotten together a semi-respectable home theater system. You want even more, but the idea of spending another few thousand... Read More

Lakeside Patios ? The Water Makes Decisions For You

If you are putting in a new patio on a lakeside, you have unique considerations that other homeowners do not have when it comes to purchasing patio... Read More

Quick and Dirty Guide to Wood Flooring

If you've always longed for hardwood floors, you're in good company. While soft wooden floors date back to the Colonial era, hardwood floors first burst on the... Read More

The Right Bathroom Light Fixture Will Brighten Up Your Bathroom

A bathroom light fixture may be just what the doctor ordered to brighten up a dark and gloomy bathroom. House lighting is important in every room in... Read More

Ten Things You May Not Know About Selecting Hardwood Flooring

1) Red Oak is not the only choiceIf you want your home to look like everyone else's, this is a great choice. If you want your home... Read More

The Benefits of Closet Dehumidifiers

If your clothes are getting moist and musty, and stretched out or otherwise deformed as a result, the closet or cabinet they're hanging in is too humid.Most... Read More

What is Design Psychology and How Will it Help Me?

In this article, we'll be taking a look at the most basic aspects of Design Psychology, first asking a question, and then addressing the various concepts, in... Read More

Removing Old Aluminum Windows

This week we are going to talk about the process of actually removing your aluminum windows in preparation for installing vinyl replacement windows. Let's start with a... Read More

To Picket Fences

Of the 359 homeowners in my area, 112 are running afoul of the law in a deviously blatant way by committing the heinous "fence offence;" in other... Read More

10 Quick Ways to Change Your Fire-less Fireplace from a Black Hole to a Worthy Focal Point

Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or flickering embers. But your fireplace need not be a gaping empty hole--like a picture frame without a... Read More

Choosing Window Frames

There are three main types of material used to manufacture window frames. These are aluminium, PVC-u and wood. These are also vinyl-coated and fibreglass frames, but for... Read More

Interior Design For Children

Interior design for children is one of the most fun, delightful aspects of the business if you ask me. It is so fun because children are limitless... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?

The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors &... Read More

Art and Design

Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with an empty room or two. This room is just crying out for some furniture. So off you... Read More

Choosing a Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home construction project. You must take your time and do your research to find a good... Read More

Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office

Did you know that over 50% of women now run their own home business or work from home? Get your compass out and find the following directions... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the heat loss, cold drafts, and wasted energy! Well if your home has a folding attic stair, a... Read More

Motion Detector Technology

Motion detectors are in use all around us in both residential and commercial locations. There are many common uses for motion detectors that most people find convenient... Read More

Your Home is Your Symphony

"Dr. Carl Sagan once wrote, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." Although Dr. Sagan was commenting on the wonders to be found in the vastness... Read More

Enjoy The Beauty Of Hardwood With The Endurance Of Laminate Flooring

Everyone likes the beautiful, timeless look of hardwood floors. Elegant, yet simple, hardwood is stunning. But take a closer look. Is that hardwood scratched and dented? Are... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the mail with your name on it. For the next week, it's telling the kids to shut the... Read More

Color Help: Many Factors Affect Color Preference

Understanding color psychology helps home makers choose colors for home decorating.Color affects human beings every day of their lives, even during their very earliest childhood. In fact,... Read More

3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and probably existed when the cave people got tired of... Read More

With A Stylish Bathroom Vanity You Can Take Pride In Your Bathroom?s Appearance!

An easy way to instantly improve your bathroom's image is to buy a stylish new bathroom vanity set. Bathroom vanity sets come in a huge range styles... Read More

11 Tips for Stripping Wallpaper: How to Get Rid of Ugly Wallpaper!

I broke my promise to myself and stripped wallpaper again. The only reason I did this is for $100,000 profit. My family and I did not have... Read More

Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the year - you make the annual visit to your attic to collect the holiday decorations and what... Read More